What do you fill fence post holes with?

Set posts on a 6-inch base of ¾-inch crushed stone to encourage drainage. Then fill around posts with the soil from the holes, minus the topsoil, and packs it down every 6 inches. In sandy soil, mix in gravel so that it will pack more firmly. In clay soil, which doesn't drain well, pack only gravel around posts.

What do you backfill a post hole with?

Pea gravel is commonly used for fence post holes. Gravel that is roughly three eighths of an inch in size is generally a good medium between drainage and support, though gravel close to that size also may be used. If you want to use the best gravel for your area, you may want to consult a contractor.

What do you put in post holes?

To help slow such deterioration, add pea gravel or crushed stone to the bottom of the posthole. Once you have added gravel to a depth of three inches or so, use a piece of scrap lumber to tamp down the layer. Next, pour an additional three inches of gravel into the hole, tamping down a second time.

Should you fill fence posts with concrete?

Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don't need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.

What to put on fence post to keep them from rotting?

Soak the bottom of the posts in a wood preservative containing copper napthanate, such as Cuprinol. Note: Available at some paint stores and home centers, this wood treatment is specifically designed for in-ground applications.

How to Dig, Set and Concrete Fence Posts

How do you protect a wooden post from rotting in the ground?

Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business.

How do you waterproof fence posts?

Pour waterproofing wood sealant into a bucket and immerse the end of the wood fence post that will be buried below ground into the sealant. Allow the post to remain in the sealant overnight. According to We Build Fences, untreated wood posts buried below ground have shorter lifespans because of rot.

How much quikrete do I need for a fence post?

1 – 4 bags of concrete per fence post are typically what's needed. This depends on the type of soil, fence design, height, post size and bag weight. In general the depth of the post's hole needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the above ground height of the post.

How long will a treated 4x4 post last in the ground?

A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.

Should wood posts be set in concrete?

First rule, gang: Do not set wooden posts in concrete. Look, no matter what preventative steps you take (and I'll get to those), eventually wooden posts rot, and eventually you'll have to set new ones. Not only does burying them in concrete make for more work down the line, it actually can speed up the rotting.

Can you use pea gravel to set fence posts?

Setting wood or vinyl fence posts is a critical part of fence construction to make sure that the fence is sturdy. The use of pea gravel to help set posts provides good drainage and, when combined with concrete, results in a sturdy fence post installation.

What is the best cement for fence posts?

The best concrete mix for fence posts I've found is Quikrete Fast Setting Concrete Mix in a 50 lb bag. It's 4000 psi, easy to work with, sets up fast, and doesn't need to be mixed. Just pour it in the hole and soak with water.

What gravel is best for fence posts?

Crushed gravel can be almost as strong, however, if you bury the post deep enough. The trick is to use medium-size drainage gravel instead of pea gravel. The individual rocks in drainage gravel wedge against one another to mimic concrete.

What size gravel is best for setting fence posts?

The ideal size gravel for fence posts is roughly three-eighths of an inch in size. You should find a happy medium between finer gravel, which provides good support, and larger-sized gravel that will provide good drainage and prevent the wood from rotting (or metal from rusting).

Should pressure treated posts be set in concrete?

With pressure-treated posts, the rot will be slow. We have three ways to solve the rotten post problem. First, the posts should be set on top of a bed of coarse gravel 3 to 6 inches deep, so the base of the post is in contact with the gravel. Concrete should be poured around the post - no concrete under the post.

Can I use untreated wood outside if I paint it?

The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water-repellent preservatives, sealer or paint that contain UV protection. Over-the-counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions, or with stain containing pigment or dye to color the wood.

Can you put pressure treated wood directly on the ground?

Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber, typically southern yellow pine, that's been chemically treated to resist rot, decay and termites. Lumber treated to “Ground Contact” has a high chemical retention level and can be placed directly on or in the ground with better protection against rot or decay.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

Can I mix quikrete in the hole?

With Fast-Setting Concrete there is no mixing or tools required – You simply pour the dry mix right from the bag into the hole, then add water. Fast-Setting Concrete sets in about 20 minutes so you can quickly move onto the next step of your outdoor project.

How many bags of concrete do I need per fence post?

Most fence post holes will need between 1 - 4 bags of concrete to securely hold the post in place. The best way to determine the size of the hole is: Diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the fence post. Depth of the hole is one-third to half the above ground height of the fence post.

Does Tar prevent wood rot?

Roofing tar is a traditional way of protecting fence posts. The tar adheres to the fence posts so that nothing can penetrate, prolonging the life of the wood by keeping insects and rot away.

Do I need to treat fence posts?

Push soil around the fence post to conceal the gravel; moist soil around the fence post can cause the post to rot, which is why you must treat a portion of the wood that is exposed above ground.